Germany modifies Puma before NATO task force deployment
Improvements were made to the Puma IFV after an operational test in July 2020 identified ‘significant defects’.
Optical systems, weapon effects and soldier protection features on the Puma tracked IFV have been ‘significantly modified’ so that the German Army can undertake a lead role in the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) deployment in 2023, the German Armed Forces announced on 18 March.
For VJTF, Puma forms part of a broader Panzergrenadier system comprising the IFV and the modular Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES) soldier system in an advanced, network-enabled warfare environment.
However, a tactical operational test in July 2020 was unsuccessful as ‘significant defects’ were found ‘and the capabilities of the system were significantly limited’, the German Armed Forces noted.
As a result, the German defence procurement agency BAAINBw, the German Army and an industry team led by Rheinmetall spent six months modifying the Puma.
A second operational test in February 2021 (including a comprehensive logistics and supply assessment) proved the tactical combat capability of the vehicle as ‘an essential prerequisite’ for deploying Puma in VJTF 2023, according to the German Armed Forces.
Training and certification will be carried out by Panzergrenadierbataillon 112 before VJTF 2023 deploys.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Networked advantage: keeping unmanned systems in the loop with battlefield radio technology]()
Networked advantage: keeping unmanned systems in the loop with battlefield radio technology
Unmanned systems are powerful intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets and communication tools, but are often isolated from wider networks, limiting their potential. Industry is now tackling this challenge, empowering UxVs to act as integrated nodes across domains.
-
![“A staggering rate of change”: how experience combating IEDs is being applied to the C-UAS arena]()
“A staggering rate of change”: how experience combating IEDs is being applied to the C-UAS arena
The scale of the current escalation in drone attacks is fuelling demand for C-UAS technology that must address a rapidly evolving and expanding threat. Against this background, important lessons can be learned from the battle against IEDs, with networked responses and dispersed capabilities essential to deliver enduring protection.
-
![Lockheed Martin plans a major expansion in Canada following the HIMARS acquisition]()
Lockheed Martin plans a major expansion in Canada following the HIMARS acquisition
The HIMARS acquisition could deliver launchers within 18 months while driving new investments in Canadian manufacturing, technology and defence supply chains.
